App of the month: Be My Eyes

Be My Eyes is a free smartphone app that connects blind and low-vision users with sighted volunteers for visual assistance through live video calls.

Here’s how it works:

  • User Requests Help: The blind or low-vision user opens the Be My Eyes app and selects “Call first available volunteer.”
  • Volunteer Alert: The app sends a notification to several volunteers in the user’s language and time zone.
  • Volunteer Connects: The first volunteer to answer the call is connected to the user.
  • Live Video Feed: The user’s phone camera transmits a live video feed to the volunteer’s phone.
  • Audio Communication: The user and volunteer can talk through the app, allowing the user to describe their situation and the volunteer to provide assistance.
  • Visual Tasks: The volunteer uses the video feed to help the user with various tasks, such as checking expiry dates on food labels, identifying clothing colours, or reading text aloud.

You can download the app from the Apple store here.

You can download the app from the Google Play store here.